Howdy,I had a rear rack much like yours on my DRZe,using the seat mount bolts as supports and the one leg support underneath,,it never would stay tight and eventually broke both seat mount lugs off the frame. Kinda seemed like those little seat mount bolts were too small for the smaller rack I had mounted to them. I only had a medium size tool pack on it,maybe a 6 lb load. I guess there's no problem like that with yours?

Howdy,I had a rear rack much like yours on my DRZe,using the seat mount bolts as supports and the one leg support underneath,,it never would stay tight and eventually broke both seat mount lugs off the frame. Kinda seemed like those little seat mount bolts were too small for the smaller rack I had mounted to them. I only had a medium size tool pack on it,maybe a 6 lb load. I guess there's no problem like that with yours?

Thanks!

My racks don't have that problem.

That is a common complaint with even the small DRZ-E top racks that are out there.

With my DRZ-E top and side rack system, the side racks support the top rack. That gives the top rack 4 mounting points.

I am currently working on a 4 point mounted top rack by itself. It will be the same 16.5" x 14.5" size and have the bungee loops and mounting plate for the RotopaX Pack Mount.

I have a Jackpiner rack on my 09 DRZ SM with the Rotopax mount. Tom also added some additional hooks on the bottom for bungie hooks. The rack is made very well, mounted easily, and has held up through many rides, and crashes. It was particularly nice to deal with Tom as we emailed back and forth prior to the build discussing ideas and he ultimately built the rack adding my requested hooks into his design.

I'm Tom's field-tester for the E model racks. A couple of observations: with this, or any other rack, it's a very good idea to Loc-Tite all your fasteners and check them for tightness regularly. Tom uses hex-head bolts for connections. While arguably not as snazzy looking as Allens, they are much easier to get torqued properly, and far easier to find should you need a replacement.

The lower left side mounting tab used for the side racks is tapped for a 6mm bolt. This should be replaced with a 5/16" or 8mm bolt as Tom and I did on my E. It's a simple matter of enlarging the hole with a hand drill and nutting the bolt on the back side. This takes about five minutes to accomplish.

On some of the other designs, there is a considerable load on the seat mounting bolts, which aren't very stout. Tom's design shifts much of the force down to stronger and larger mounting bolts on the frame.

I have a Jackpiner rack on my 09 DRZ SM with the Rotopax mount. Tom also added some additional hooks on the bottom for bungie hooks. The rack is made very well, mounted easily, and has held up through many rides, and crashes. It was particularly nice to deal with Tom as we emailed back and forth prior to the build discussing ideas and he ultimately built the rack adding my requested hooks into his design.

Jim, I'm glad you're still happy with the rack! That one is one of a kind. Thanks for the support. -Tom

I'm Tom's field-tester for the E model racks. A couple of observations: with this, or any other rack, it's a very good idea to Loc-Tite all your fasteners and check them for tightness regularly. Tom uses hex-head bolts for connections. While arguably not as snazzy looking as Allens, they are much easier to get torqued properly, and far easier to find should you need a replacement.

Thanks Tim, that's all very good advice. I need to include the Loc-Tite recommendation to my installation sheets.

I use the hex heads because I think that socket heads strip out too easily. Many times it's the hex key (Allen wrench) that rounds off and then damages the socket head. I also think that most people have tools that will work with regular hex head bolts.

The lower left side mounting tab used for the side racks is tapped for a 6mm bolt. This should be replaced with a 5/16" or 8mm bolt as Tom and I did on my E. It's a simple matter of enlarging the hole with a hand drill and nutting the bolt on the back side. This takes about five minutes to accomplish.

I will be including that info and hardware as a requirement to anybody buying the siderack system for the "E".

On some of the other designs, there is a considerable load on the seat mounting bolts, which aren't very stout. Tom's design shifts much of the force down to stronger and larger mounting bolts on the frame.

I'd like to announce that Tom's DRZ-E Adventure Rack has been (un)officially Trans-Labrador Highway tested and (very much) approved! It stood up to the Great Canadian Washboard without complaint, and handled an impressive load of gear, spares, food, tools, and fuel. It's certainly due for a re-spray as parts of it have been worn shiny, but everything else held up beautifully under some pretty abusive conditions.

The top rack mounting loops were perfect for the Twisted Throttle Dryspec system, and the side racks worked well to support some Motopak panniers. I would have liked to splurge on some Wolfman bags; maybe next trip! I will definitely have to invest in a Rotopax setup as well to make full use of Tom's awesome rack.

Tom was super helpful in listening to my feedback on issues with mounting the rack and incredibly responsive with advice, including how to fix my damaged subframe (that JB Weld is pretty awesome stuff!)

Thanks again! Look for a full RR coming in the near future with more details from the trip.

I'd like to announce that Tom's DRZ-E Adventure Rack has been (un)officially Trans-Labrador Highway tested and (very much) approved! It stood up to the Great Canadian Washboard without complaint, and handled an impressive load of gear, spares, food, tools, and fuel. It's certainly due for a re-spray as parts of it have been worn shiny, but everything else held up beautifully under some pretty abusive conditions.

The top rack mounting loops were perfect for the Twisted Throttle Dryspec system, and the side racks worked well to support some Motopak panniers. I would have liked to splurge on some Wolfman bags; maybe next trip! I will definitely have to invest in a Rotopax setup as well to make full use of Tom's awesome rack.

Tom was super helpful in listening to my feedback on issues with mounting the rack and incredibly responsive with advice, including how to fix my damaged subframe (that JB Weld is pretty awesome stuff!)

Thanks again! Look for a full RR coming in the near future with more details from the trip.

In Fermont, QC after the "mini-trail" section in the rain:

Seven,

Thanks for posting on your experience with the racks! I'm glad to hear that all went well, and the racks were up to the task. You had her loaded up pretty good and I like those Twisted Throttle bags you have on there too. The washboard riding must have been a PIA, but at least the DRZ has the suspension to make that a little more tolerable. Kudos to you for doing such a long remote ride on a DRZ-E!! I don't think I've read about anyone else doing that.

I'm glad the JB quick sub-frame fix got you through the trip! I can't wait to read the ride report. It was my pleasure to help you, so let me know if there's anything else you need.

The racks worked out great!
They are very strong and have been holding up very well!
I have tested them loaded off road, on road and they are perfect for hard cases and soft bags! I highly recommend them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back once again with the "E" from Tom's. He wanted my bike to test a few things on. Now, the top rack is a completely independent piece and does not require the side racks for support. The side racks have been changed accordingly, and the system sports an optional rear loop that ties the back of the side racks together. I did not have any issues with the racks without the rear loop, but some had requested them. They will be tested soon.

Once again, this system is put together with the care and knowledge that only an experienced rider and fabricator can offer. It's always good to talk to an craftsman who cares deeply about what he is doing. Hope you get those pics posted up soon, Tom. It's a great looking assembly, and I expected no less. There is nothing to equal this rack anywhere.

Tom, I'll keep that stinky green rig fueled up for whenever you want to ride it. I arrived back a few minutes ago, and decided to give it a kick while the beast was still captive on the trailer. First pop. The idle has leveled out, and there's no mosquito repellent. I'm beginning to wonder if it needs new jets at all.

Back once again with the "E" from Tom's. He wanted my bike to test a few things on. Now, the top rack is a completely independent piece and does not require the side racks for support. The side racks have been changed accordingly, and the system sports an optional rear loop that ties the back of the side racks together. I did not have any issues with the racks without the rear loop, but some had requested them. They will be tested soon.

Once again, this system is put together with the care and knowledge that only an experienced rider and fabricator can offer. It's always good to talk to an craftsman who cares deeply about what he is doing. Hope you get those pics posted up soon, Tom. It's a great looking assembly, and I expected no less. There is nothing to equal this rack anywhere.

Tom, I'll keep that stinky green rig fueled up for whenever you want to ride it. I arrived back a few minutes ago, and decided to give it a kick while the beast was still captive on the trailer. First pop. The idle has leveled out, and there's no mosquito repellent. I'm beginning to wonder if it needs new jets at all.

Thanks Tim for the kind words! I've finally got some pics to post.

DRZ 400E Rear Luggage Rack

Has a 4 point attachment for more strength.

Measures 16.5" x 14.5" and will hold lots of gear in any type of large bag like the Wolfman Expedition Dry Duffel. The new RotopaX 1.75 gal. fuel or water pack fits right on. RotopaX ready cross plate for attaching/detaching the RotopaX Pack Mount quickly and easily with just two bolts. Has 4 large bungee loops to hold straps captive and allows Fastex type buckles to fit through.

* Large 16.5" x 14.5" platform to hold lots of gear in any type of large bag like the Wolfman Expedition Dry Duffel and even a 1.75 gal. RotopaX Gas Pack or Water Pack.

* Guaranteed not to break. I'll pay to ship it back to me and ship you a new one. No questions asked.

* Easy installation with all fasteners and mounting instructions included. Requires enlarging one hole to 5/16" on an aluminum tab on the sub-frame to accommodate an 8mm bolt and lock nut.

* RotopaX ready cross plate with threaded holes for attaching/detaching the RotopaX Pack Mount quickly and easily with just two bolts (included). The new RotopaX 1.75 gal. fuel or water packs fit this rack.

* Top Rack measures 16.5" x 14.5" and will hold lots of gear in any type of large bag like the Wolfman Expedition Dry Duffel. The new RotopaX 1.75 gal. fuel or water pack fits right on. RotopaX ready cross plate for attaching/detaching the RotopaX Pack Mount quickly and easily with just two bolts. Has 4 large bungee loops to hold straps captive and allows Fastex type buckles to fit through.

* Side Racks are designed to hold any side bags including Wolfman Expedition Dry
Saddle Bags. Their metal strap clips fit into our side rack loops to hold bags tight to the rack. Requires purchase of the Top Rack because it only works as a 3 piece system.

* Top Rack sits flush with top of seat to minimize injury to your lower back if you slide off the back or are rear ended.

* Easy bolt on installation with all fasteners and mounting instructions included.